Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

32 Ford Revell..why holes in valve cover?


Recommended Posts

Hey guys - I have this kit (32 Ford Revell link below) and the "older V-8" does not appear to be a flathead, but they have 4 holes in each valve cover. Is this a ford engine that had plug wires that came through? Or is this just a silly looking rocker cover.

Thanks! http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/rmx/rmx854228.htm

Um ... none of the above. That would be a Hemi; product of the Chrysler Motor Company.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have that kit, and I'm looking at tiny pics on my cell phone, but that looks like a Chrysler hemi with holes for the spark plug wires. I would guess its a '50s 331/354/392 hemi. Maybe even a Red Ram hemi of smaller displacement.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have that kit, and I'm looking at tiny pics on my cell phone, but that looks like a Chrysler hemi with holes for the spark plug wires. I would guess its a '50s 331/354/392 hemi.

Exactly.

Because of the nature of the design of the hemispherical combustion chambers in this engine, the spark plugs are in the top of the chambers. The only way to get wires to the plugs is through the valve covers.

eric_sefi392hemi202.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have that kit, and I'm looking at tiny pics on my cell phone, but that looks like a Chrysler hemi with holes for the spark plug wires. I would guess its a '50s 331/354/392 hemi. Maybe even a Red Ram hemi of smaller displacement.

All engines with a hemispherical combustion chamber have their intake and exhaust valves located to the sides of said chamber, with the sparkplug at the very center. This allows for the flow of intake gasses into one side of the combustion chamber, with exhaust gasses going out of the other side. It's the most efficient internal combustion engine layout--used since the introduction of the first serious DOHC engine from Peugeot in 1913.

If one looks at any Chrysler Hemi, 1951-58, one will notice a raised stamped steel cover down the middle of each valve cover. That is a wire loom, itself rather common on earlier OHV V8's, for the purpose of aligning plug wires, and often hiding them from view. Take that steel loom or cover off, and you can see four individual tubes in each valve cover, having a flange at the bottom, using a gasket to keep oil from getting to the plugs. The second generation Hemi's (1964-71) never had the loom, or cover, so those holes are highly visible, although Chrysler did install neoprene rubber covers for each plug hole, to keep dirt and moisture out.

Art

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks guys! I'm a child of the 70's so I'm not too familiar with the Deuce. I kept searching the Internet for a Ford engine that looked like this. A hemi explains a lot. Very cool...now I definitely have to fit some plug wires to make this look real!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...